• Filter the conversation
 

Dear UrbanBaby community,

Thank you so much for being a valued member of the UrbanBaby community. We wanted to inform you that we are shutting down the site on July 6th. We are grateful for your participation and support that has helped make UrbanBaby such an important resource to parents for many years.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can email us at urbanbaby-support@cbsinteractive.com.

Thanks so much,

UrbanBaby Support

[ - ] Someone here said Donna at Anderson is working on a way to help divergent thinker 99s get in above others. anyone know what we should do? 9 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.24.08, 07:06 AM Flag
»
That is a rumor and I don't think it is based in fact. There is currently no method for identifying such students anyway. If anything, it would be for next year, not this year. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:14 AM Flag
»
omg! this woman, donna, takes herself and the mission of anderson way too seriously. its like she is still trying to validate her dc's divergent thinking. she needs to get a life [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 10:27 AM Flag
»
np - Is it Donna doing this, or UB posters? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 10:31 AM Flag
»
who knows? think there are some anderson parents on who are letting people know that donna is not going to take doe changes without trying to have some control. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 11:29 AM Flag
»
Maybe there are people who hope that things could go back to the school controlling its admissions - after all, it WAS working well for a long, long time. I have many friends whose kids are there and I doubt they expect any changes that Donna or anyone else there can make or they would have done it long before now. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 11:38 AM Flag
»
lol [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:18 AM Flag
»
This is UB nonsense. The central DOE is making all admissions decisions for G&T and UB moms are just trying to get you going. I'm sure that Donna and all the other school personnel at G&T schools are just getting ready for registration and doing their jobs. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 11:36 AM Flag
»
What the heck is a divergent thinker 99er? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 12:05 PM Flag
»
Gotcha! That was part of a hoax thread triggered by one asking posters to name their top ten "lightning rod" issues associated with the g&t process, which led to people trying to come up with tongue-and-cheek posts that included all of them, followed by responses that did, etc. The Donna post (which I wrote as a total spoof) was one of those. Only the DOE can choose the dcs at the g&ts this year. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 12:47 PM Flag
[ - ] Suggestions for dealing with two year old dd's curly hair that gets super tangled. J&J detangler doesn't help. 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
Toddler 05.24.08, 07:04 AM Flag
»
devachan...no joke [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:06 AM Flag
»
what is that? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:06 AM Flag
»
Humectress, I use it after dd's hair is washed as a leave in conditioner. Really helps. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:28 AM Flag
[ - ] Anyone know of a place offering pony rides in Millbrook area? 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:58 AM Flag
»
Rivendell in Clinton Corners offers riding lessons. I don't know if they do one-off horse rides. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:59 AM Flag
[ - ] What is there to today in Manhattan?? Went to Central park zoo yesterday. 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
New York City 05.24.08, 06:58 AM Flag
»
The Cloisters if having a family festival from 12pm to 4pm. Take "A" train to 190th St and walk up to the Cloisters through Ft Tryon Park. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:00 AM Flag
[ - ] Poll: How many out there will possibly forgoe their private school deposits or tuitions in favor of G&T or Citywide if your child is acepted? 19 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.24.08, 06:56 AM Flag
»
we did last year. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:57 AM Flag
»
We already have. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:08 AM Flag
»
How do you know which G&T you are going to? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:15 AM Flag
»
We don't, but have a 99 and are happy with our first 3 options [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:16 AM Flag
»
Did you have to pay any tuition to private? How much? What are your top 3 rankings [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:17 AM Flag
»
We lost our deposit. Anderson, Nest, LL. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:18 AM Flag
»
I don't think having a 99 guarantees that your dc will be placed in one of your top 3 since 2 are Anderson & Nest. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:32 AM Flag
»
You may be right. It's a calculated risk. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:48 AM Flag
»
NP: I think you're fine and you will get into 1 of your top 3. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:57 AM Flag
»
We let go of a citywide for a private already. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:09 AM Flag
»
huh? is dc a sibling? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:13 AM Flag
»
np: She probably means this happened last year? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:28 AM Flag
»
Hunter notified in Feb. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:29 AM Flag
»
ooops, I guess Hunter is not citywide since it only takes Manhattan kids. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:30 AM Flag
»
another 99 saying goodbye to private before the 6/1 deadline. will lose deposit only. would not wait around to pay the rest when we get a spot. sure we will be fine [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:32 AM Flag
»
Do you think the private school waitlists will move as a result of people in your situation giving up a seat? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:59 AM Flag
»
oh course. have dfs interested in the school we are giving up and the doa of one of them has told her to sit tight until G&T placemnets are out [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 10:20 AM Flag
»
Will give up private (and year's tuition) for Anderson. Will beg for the money back but prepared to be denied. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 11:30 AM Flag
»
we will do it for ps9 G&T or anderson. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 04:28 PM Flag
[ - ] I have a friend who is magic with toddlers. I don't know how she does it. She's always patient, empathic, fun. All the kids on the blcok want to play at her house & never want to leave. Yesterday she put down a huge dropcloth on her lawn and let the kids paint all over it (& each other). Then my 2 yo had a screaming meltdown when it was time to go. She quietly wrote him a note that said he could come back any time he wanted, and everyone read it aloud to him, and he was so happy - calmly got in the stroller and buckled himself in, saying, "I'm ready now." How does she DO that?? 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:55 AM Flag
»
wow, she does sound amazing [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:01 AM Flag
»
she sounds like my mother. some people just have a way with kids. too bad it's not me -- i'm a screamer... [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:09 AM Flag
»
DId your mom yell a lot too? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:14 AM Flag
»
I have a friend like that and it's amazing to watch. She was a nursery school teacher (before her DC were born) and she must have been so great in the classroom. She does such sweet projects with her DC -- they made menorahs at Hanukkah, bake cookies to bring to school on snack days, they decorated picture frames for Mother's Day. Meanwhile, I barely reember to pick up a bag of pretzels for special snack day! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:17 AM Flag
»
i dont know, but she should teach classes on how to do that. sign me up [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 10:37 AM Flag
[ - ] Real estate question: We put our co-op on market at a decent price and as added incentive offered 2 months paid parking at a nearby lot (we are on outer borough of NYC). After 2 mos on market we have an offer lower than what we want but "ok" in this market (we're a touch reluctant to take it but it IS a sure thing). Can we accept but say we are taking the "2 mos parking" incentive off the table? or will that p&ss off the potential buyer? We had offered it assuming we would get closer to asking price. Any thoughts? 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:37 AM Flag
»
as a buyer that would really piss me off [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:39 AM Flag
»
you can say, you can accept the bid but would not include parking at that price. Be prepared for them to walk away though. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:44 AM Flag
»
it's what, like 800 bucks? Worth losing the deal over? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:00 AM Flag
»
THat is basically a counter offer. Why don't you counter at a higher price? The parking is kind of a pissy move that may just make them walk rather than an honest counter offer. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:23 AM Flag
»
thanks everyone [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 10:19 AM Flag
[ - ] oh wow. i shut down for the first time in a couple of days and the font has changed. i noticed yesterday but it was tiny. its much better now 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:37 AM Flag
»
ita, looks like old ub. now if they could just get rid of the massive settings box... [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:28 AM Flag
[ - ] Would appreciate any thoughts. Only child. DD is a middle schooler in a good private school. She just got into NEST. We have never been in the school (we started the process late). We like the philosophy and aren't worried about our DD. She is focused and can handle rules. But have no idea what it would be like to go from Private to NEST (except we know we would save a ton of money). Our private doesn't have a ton of extras or sports and is quite small. 18 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
NY Schools 05.24.08, 06:32 AM Flag
»
Good luck. When do you have to accept by. Can you go visit and tour next week? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:34 AM Flag
»
they don't allow touring just orientation day. wondering if there were any middle school parents at NEST that could give me an honest assessment of school, kids, and sports? I am flying blind. Thanks in advance. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:55 AM Flag
»
I have a 6th grader in private school, and I think it's been a good thing that she is negotiating puberty without having to deal with changing schools and being a new kid at the same time. NEST has the reputation for being hard academically, but if your child's school is academic she may be better prepared than many. Does your child's current school end at 8th grade? I would try to keep your dd there then. You can also try to find NEST middle school parents to talk with. When is the contract due date for your current school? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:52 AM Flag
»
Due date is coming up but I would speak with them and be honest. Our private goes through 12th. so far my DD doesn't have any social issues (out of the ordinary). Kind of regular, easy going kid. Not super sensitive and has a lot of confidence. I am actually always more worried about social issues in a private. Small class lead to less choice in kids and lots of cliques and money. I like that NEST keeps the bar high. I think when you are spending more time with studies and hobbies you have less time for "hanging out". [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:58 AM Flag
»
NP: how small is small? NEST can save you money, but you may not like it. Still a public. But if money is an issue and if the private is not a very strong academic school (TT or alike), I say NEST. Some of the exmissions from some privates are much worse than top public. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:03 AM Flag
»
medium sized, second tier, dd is definitely prepared. We have no problem with the private except the tuition (we pay full). We plan on leaving in HS and thought we could save $90,000 grand till then! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 08:00 AM Flag
»
If money is an issue, go for NEST! My only concern would be transitioning dd twice in 3 years again... but you gotta do what you gotta do. Kids adjust. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 08:24 AM Flag
»
Your right, but I do think switching schools can be a benefit later in life. She has been at one school for six years and would be making the two transitions when everyone else is as well? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 08:38 AM Flag
»
oh, should also say...if she loved NEST she wouldn't switch! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 08:39 AM Flag
»
I would go to NEST on Tuesday at dismissal and watch the middle school kids leaving the school. (I think they wear logo polo shirts.) Hop on the M14 and listen to some of the conversations. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:11 AM Flag
»
great idea, thanks! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 08:36 AM Flag
»
Do a lot of kids leave your current school for high school? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:17 AM Flag
»
about 20% [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 08:01 AM Flag
»
The older son of the mom on the helicopter mom blog on Good City Living website started NEST in middle school (coming from a public elementary that she felt did not prepare him). http://www.goodcityliving.com/ [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:25 AM Flag
»
Thanks. That was a bit scary to read! I am hoping someone can give me an overview of the feel of the middle school. Not just how hard it is (unless that is all there is to say?). Are there any sports? Is there any fun? Most important are the kids happy? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 08:20 AM Flag
»
Not a NEST parent, but from what I hear, the middle school is not a happy place. Lots of pressure, crushing amounts of work. Many, many kids leave at the high school level and the high school is not particularly sought after. You should read the DOE "progress report" on the school - it says the school is "undeveloped" (in DOE parlance this is bad) and that the high scores are due to the high scoring kids admitted, not to what the school does with them. And I know Helicopter Mom blog was happy with it but the blog kind of makes it sound like a hellhole. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 08:42 AM Flag
»
You really need to try to visit the school with dd if at all possible - I would not send dc at this age to a school they had not even seen. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 09:33 AM Flag
»
Honestly, I don't know how good NEST's high school (or middle school) is. If dd were accepted at Hunter, it would be a no-brainer. But if dd is going to apply to a public selective high school, I don't know if it would be worth it to change to NEST and then to yet another school. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 09:44 AM Flag
[ - ] A p/t child care worker at the emergency day care that we have used has been arrested for having child porn at his home. Once DH came home and told me that he was totally creeped out by one of the workers there, and I told DH not to jump to conclusions, that we had to trust that Lipton had screened these people, etc. Turns out, DH was right! It was this same guy who was caught. I feel so sick! http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/24/nyregion/24porn.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion&oref=slogin 25 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
New York City 05.24.08, 06:32 AM Flag
»
My DH would be creeped out by any male employee at a daycare. It is really sick, though, but they did say there was no evidence of anything happening there. Hopefully, that's the case. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:39 AM Flag
»
OP: This is exactly what DH told me at the time: that he is suspicious of ANY man working in child care. I disagreed with him about that. But now I am re-thinking my own view, obviously. It is just so upsetting that the Lipton employees who worked alongside this man did not "out" him. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:48 AM Flag
»
np. Pedophiles do prefer jobs where they have easy access to dc, but that includes teachers, sports coaches, camp counselors, scout leaders, and on and on. Is DH suspicious of all men working in those fields too, or is it just daycare/preschool employees? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:52 AM Flag
»
OP: He just went out for a walk, so I can't ask him specifically. I think he would probably say daycare/preschool only? I will ask him. What do you think? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:53 AM Flag
»
I know it's unfair and probably irrational, but I'm so paranoid about all men who choose to work with dc, not just the ones in daycare. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:56 AM Flag
»
OP: I know. From now on, political correctness is going out the window for me, and I am going to err on the side of making assumptions that might be ultimately wrong or unfair. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:57 AM Flag
»
How is it irrational? Research shows that more than 98% of sexual offenders are male - including pedophiles. It's not irrational, it's factual. Similarly, it's factual that some percentage of men who choose child-focused careers are doing so in order to gain access to victims. I would NEVER want an unrelated male to have significant, unmonitored access to my children - even given the fact that most molestations are intra-familial. The vast majority of pedophiles who abuse children within their homes also abuse children outside of it. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:02 AM Flag
»
It's irrational because even though most child molesters are men, it doesn't follow that most men are child molesters. Same with men who work in those professions. Most men are not a threat. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:08 AM Flag
»
But no one is saying that all men are child molesters. What's true is that a significant percentage of men involved in careers that give them intimate access to unsupervised, young children are molesters. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:09 AM Flag
»
Wrong. It's the inverse that is correct: A large percentage of men who molest children choose jobs where they have access to children. It does NOT follow that a large percentage of men who work in jobs where they have access to children are therefore child molesters. Do you not understand the distinction? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 08:30 AM Flag
»
Very often the staff/ director know and have their suspicions but teachers union is strong and it is very difficult to have teachers transferred form assignments based on suspicions. There are usually other allegations and signs of misconduct;Pedophiles have uncontrollable impulses [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:58 AM Flag
»
OP: This is a private day care facility. I don't believe there is a teachers union involved here. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:59 AM Flag
»
dd's kindergarten and 1st grade teacher were both male and 2 of the best teachers she's had. I think it's reaching to assume any man in child care is suspicious [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:05 AM Flag
»
I totally agree. My child has had the same experience. She has had great male teachers, and she is learning a valuable lesson about how men can be nurturing. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:19 AM Flag
»
NP: My DH is a second greade teacher and I'm grateful for your posts! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:30 AM Flag
»
That is sickening. I read about it yesterday. Hope they catch the guy. Never, ever ignore those gut feelings about people. A few years ago dd and I were visiting a college friend of mine in another state and I got the worst vibe from df's husband for no obvious reason. Such an uncomfortable visit. He kept offering to take my dd and his dd to go things without me and df, supposedly so df and I could have time alone to catch up, and I kept making excuses to refuse. My df could tell I had a problem with her husband and it effectively ended our friendship. Heard from mutual friends this winter they are now divorcing and there are accusations he molested their dd. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:43 AM Flag
»
OP: OMG, how awful! You are sooooo right about trusting those instincts. In our case, I never met the guy at the child care place, only DH did, and I second-guessed DH, which I now regret. Oddly, DH said he had a similar gut reaction when he took the Anderson tour a few weeks ago, and saw a very weird guy who was apparently a substitute art teacher. And another parent also apparently got weird vibes about this guy also because she asked the person giving the tour who he was, etc. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:50 AM Flag
»
You are witch-hunting and giving far too specific information. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:21 AM Flag
»
OP: Sorry, but I disagree. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:27 AM Flag
»
You are saying something in a public forum that can ruin a person's career, based on a personal feeling. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:42 AM Flag
»
OP: And what exactly is the problem with what I have posted? Anyone reading my post can make their own personal decision about how much weight to give it. You are free to dismiss it. I am pointing out that my DH was not the only parent on the tour to notice this guy. He seemed out of place, according to DH, and another parent apparently thought the same thing and openly asked who the guy was and what he was doing there. Draw your own conclusions. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 07:56 AM Flag
»
NP: and ITA. It's one thing to talk about the guy who has been arrested, and fully another to publicly accuse someone like this. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 09:00 AM Flag
»
I had a similar situation at my ds daycare. I went to school one morning to drop him off and the police were there looking for a male teacher that worked there. My father had mentioned to me that that particular teacher was creepy and like you I disregarded it. However, he had assaulted a young girl at the school and was arrested. But because of her age they detectives chose not to pursue it. I think he did it and I was sick with worry that he might have touched my son. At the time I chose not to ask my son because I didnt want to put thoughts in his head that werent there. He was 2 at the time. I figured if something happened ds would tell me in casual conversation as we discuss private parts. I know how you feel. Unfortunately I think if given the same situation again I would really listen to someone on the outside looking in with regards to school environment. Sometimes we are so caught up with childcare and work we miss things. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:52 AM Flag
»
OP: Did you immediately remove your ds from the place? That is so scary. Obviously, you and I were proved wrong about withholding our supsicions. The people who are right are my DH and your father, who trust their own instincts about this. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:56 AM Flag
»
thats creepy- we have used that location as well in the past, but not while that guy was there [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 10:10 AM Flag
[ - ] My 21 mo niece is already pointing to letters and saying what they are. Is that super-early? If so, does that mean she'll likely read early? Just curious. My DC didn't do that until closer to 3 yo. 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:27 AM Flag
»
How many letter. Mine loved 5 or 6 letters but couldn't recognize the alphabet [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:27 AM Flag
»
OP: I don't know exactly. Probably about 5 or so. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:28 AM Flag
»
I dont think it related to reading early necessarily. older DS knew all letters by 2, but didnt read to kindergarten (5). I've heard that something just has to "kick in" [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:39 AM Flag
[ - ] Anyone think the economy will bounce back in late 2008 or 2009? 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:26 AM Flag
»
maybe late 09 [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 05.24.08, 06:32 AM Flag
Refresh » New Post »
Select Category
close [X]

close [X]

Select a Category (only 1)

category
Stages
Regions